Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
As an additional tool for those seeking help with problem gambling, the Iowa Lottery offers a Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program. The self-exclusion agreement bans those who sign it from the lottery's regional offices and allows the lottery to deny prize payments at a lottery office to those players. That prevents the person involved from receiving any lottery prize more than $600, as those must be claimed directly from the lottery. The agreement also prevents the person from receiving any lottery promotional materials. The program is designed to act as a deterrent by taking away the incentive to play lottery games for those who have issues with compulsive behavior.
How does the program work?
Players have two options when signing up: a five-year self-exclusion; or a lifetime, irrevocable exclusion. (Please note that if you choose the lifetime self-exclusion option on or after July 1, 2017, it is permanent, meaning you cannot change it.)
Anyone who wants to enter into a voluntary self-exclusion with the lottery signs a contract provided by the lottery and has it notarized, then turns it in to the lottery. We have notaries in our offices who can assist with that step in the process.
Anyone signing a voluntary self-exclusion also will be given information about the help available through the Iowa Problem Gambling Services and 1-800-BETSOFF, that program's 24-hour hotline.
The lottery maintains a computer database with the names and Social Security numbers of those who have signed its self-exclusion contract. The lottery checks information against the database when someone tries to claim a prize at an Iowa Lottery office. Those players on the list are denied prize payment. The lottery also removes from its mailing or promotional lists the names of those who enter into self-ban contracts.
Can I request to be removed from the lottery's self-exclusion list?
Yes, but only if you signed a self-exclusion form with the lottery prior to July 1, 2017. At that time, the only option available was a lifetime ban, and you now can ask for that to be changed.
To be eligible to request removal from the list, you must have entered into a self-exclusion agreement with the lottery during that timeframe and been on the lottery's self-exclusion list for at least five years. You then can request that the lottery remove your name from the list. Once the lottery confirms that you have been on the list for at least five years, your name would be removed from the list and you would receive notification of that from the lottery. You then could again visit lottery offices and claim prizes there.
If you've been on the lottery's self-exclusion list for less than five years and apply to be removed from it, you'll be informed that you must wait until at least the five-year mark to apply for re-instatement. (Applications submitted prior to the end of the five-year exclusion period won't be processed and will not be kept on file.)
How do I get a self-exclusion form?
Click here to download the most current version of the lottery's self-exclusion contract, which can be printed. When the form is completed and notarized, it should be turned in to any Iowa Lottery regional office.
Note:Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view self-exclusion document.
How do I request to be removed from the lottery's self-exclusion list?
Click here to download the form to request removal from the list. When the form is completed, return it to any Iowa Lottery regional office. Removal from the lottery's list is not effective until the form has been processed and the person making the request receives confirmation from the lottery.
Note:Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view removal document.
If I signed up for a lifetime ban with the lottery prior to July 1, 2017, is that still in effect?
Yes. That lifetime exclusion will remain unchanged without further action on your part. But because you entered into a self-exclusion when only a lifetime ban was available, you now have the option of following the process outlined above to request that your name be removed from the lottery's self-exclusion list (if you have been on the list for at least five years).
Is there a limit on the number of times someone can sign up for a five-year voluntary ban?
There is no limit in that regard. You can sign up for a five-year ban multiple times. If you have entered into a five-year self-exclusion and take no further action, the voluntary ban will expire at the end of that time period.
Is the Lottery's self-exclusion program affiliated with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission's (IRGC) statewide exclusion program?
No. If you have signed an IRGC voluntary self-exclusion form for casinos and racetracks, you are not automatically placed on the Iowa Lottery's self-ban list. You must sign both an IRGC and a lottery form if you wish to be excluded from both forms of gaming here in Iowa. To learn more about the IRGC self-exclusion program, visit
https://irgc.iowa.gov/self-exclusion-program
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